Spartan Profiles: Ben Williams
BEN WILLIAMS: THELONIOUS MONK WINNER
Since its founding in 1987, the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition has emerged as “the most prestigious competition in the world for aspiring jazz musicians,” says the Washington Post.
This past October, the glittering gala competition held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC saw bassist Ben Williams, BMUS ’07, win the first prize—worth $20,000 in scholarships and a recording contract with Concord Records. “Wow, what a tremendous honor,” says Williams, a native of Washington, DC.
“Being able to win this at home is extra special.” He says he did nothing extraordinary to prepare for the competition. “My whole life has been preparation for this,” notes Ben, who began playing the upright bass at 12. When he began applying to college, he recalls, “I had no clue about Michigan State.” But his friend (and world renowned drummer) Winard Harper recommended MSU.
“At that time, MSU had guys like Rodney Whittaker, Wycliffe Gordon, Ron Blake and Derrick Gardner teaching there,” recalls Ben. “I was like, ‘Wow!’” So he applied to MSU and flew to East Lansing for an audition to get into the School (now College) of Music. “(Then jazz studies director) Rodney (Whittaker) was very nice and hospitable, and made me feel right at home.”
Ben does not regret his decision to attend MSU. “It was great,” he says. “I learned a lot, and felt I really grew up. I played in the MSU Philharmonic Orchestra. Being alone, I learned to survive. Nothing builds character more than Michigan winters.” After MSU, he obtained a master’s degree at New York’s Juilliard School. He currently plays with Stefon Harris’ Blackout group, and is also part of Sound Effect, a jazz quintet. “We play the entire spectrum, from small clubs to concert halls and everything in between.” Ben will next work on his first recording with Concord and on landing new gigs, including a possible one at MSU’s Wharton Center later this year.
